Chapter 71
Mia was back at work the next day.
She had to be.
There was no time to wallow, no space in her life for heartbreak. She needed money. Needed to keep saving for school. Needed to get out of Willowcrest.
So, she did what she always did.
She worked.
She weaved through the crowded lounge, balancing trays of expensive liquor, dodging drunk hands, and forcing smiles at men who thought a few bills could buy them a night with her.
“Come on, sweetheart,” one of them slurred, eyes heavy with entitlement. “Name your price.”
Mia’s stomach twisted.
She wanted to scream, wanted to throw the drink in his face and tell him she wasn’t for sale.
But she didn’t.
Instead, she smiled-tight, practiced.
“I’m just here to serve drinks, sir.”
She turned away before he could say anything else, walking straight to the bar where Emily was wiping down glasses.
“You okay?” Emily asked, watching as Mia exhaled sharply.
“I’m fine.”
Emily frowned. “Are you sure? You seem-”
“I’m fine,” Mia repeated, forcing another smile. “Just tired.”
Emily hesitated before nodding. “Wanna go out after work? We could grab some food, take your mind off things.”
Mia shook her head. “Thanks, but I just want to go home and sleep.”
Emily didn’t push. She just gave her a small nod before turning back to her glasses.
Mia sighed.
She appreciated Emily’s concern, she really did.
But there was nothing to talk about.
Nothing to fix.
Mia had made a decision.
She was done.
Done with Alex.
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Done with his world.
Done with anything that had to do with him.
She wouldn’t waste another second thinking about him.
Wouldn’t let herself feel the ache in her chest every time she thinks about him
Wouldn’t let herself remember how he looked at her, how he touched her, how he-
Mia, stop.
She squeezed her eyes shut for a brief moment before shaking it off and heading back to work.
She had drinks to serve.
When her shift ended, she changed into her hoodie and jeans, stuffing her apron into her bag before heading outside.
Mia walked to the bus stop, her steps slow, tired.
She sat down on the bench, staring at the empty road ahead.
It was strange how even the smallest things reminded her of Alex.
Even this-this stupid bus station.
Because Alex had been here. So many times.
Pulling up in his sleek, expensive car, leaning against the door with that lazy smirk, telling her to stop wasting her time on the bus and just let him take her home.
She used to roll her eyes. Used to tell him he was ridiculous.
And then-
She used to get in anyway.
Mia swallowed hard, shaking her head.
Stop thinking about him.
The bus pulled up, the doors opening with a soft hiss.
She stood up, climbing inside and sinking into a seat near the window.
She stared out, determined to keep her mind blank.
Determined to forget.
Across the street, hidden in the shadows, Alex watched.
His hands were gripping the steering wheel, his jaw locked so tight it ached.
He didn’t know why he was here.
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Didn’t know why he kept doing this.
He had told himself to stay away. Told himself that this was for the best.
And yet-
Here he was.
Sitting in his car, watching Mia like a goddamn fool.
He knew her schedule. Knew what time she finished work as if it were his own routine.
And tonight…he had found himself driving here before he could stop himself.
Just to see her.
Just to make sure she was okay.
Even though she wasn’t his to worry about.
She’s a Turner for fuck sake Alex
Alex ran a hand down his face, exhaling sharply.
This was what he wanted.
This was what needed to happen.
So why did it feel like his chest was caving in?
Why did it feel like he had just lost something he was never going to get back?
He watched as the bus drove off, taking Mia with it.
Then he closed his eyes.
It would get better.
With time.
It will….
The sound of Alex’s fists hitting the punching bag echoed through the empty gym.
His knuckles burned with every strike, his muscles screaming for relief, but he didn’t stop.
Couldn’t stop.
He needed to focus on the pain. Needed the sting of his raw skin to ground him, to distract him from the real ache clawing at his chest.
Mia.
Her tear-streaked face. The way she had looked at him before she ran out of that house.
It haunted him.
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He knew it was for the best. Knew she would never forgive him.
That was the point.
She had to hate him.
And yet, he couldn’t get her out of his damn head.
His phone rang, breaking his thoughts. He exhaled sharply, stepping back from the bag and grabbing his phone off the nearby bench.
His mother.
Alex frowned, wiping sweat from his face before answering.
“Mom?”
“Alex, come home. I have good news.”
Her voice was light, almost excited. A rare thing.
Alex wiped a hand down his face. “What kind of news?”
“You’ll find out when you get here. Just come, okay?”
Alex hesitated. He knew what home meant. It meant dealing with his father. And he wasn’t exactly in the mood to see that
man.
“Mom, I-”
“Please, Alex.”
Silence.
Then a sigh.
“I’m on my way.”
Alex pulled into the long driveway of the Blackwell mansion
The estate was as grand as ever, its perfectly trimmed hedges and massive iron gates a reminder of the wealth and power his father wielded.
A house that never felt like home…
Alex stepped inside. His mother was waiting for him with a warm smile on her face as she reached for him.
“Alex,” she said, squeezing his arm.
He looks at her, noting the rare lightness in her expression. She looked…happy?
Obviously about something.
“What’s the news, Mom?”
“Come on, dinner is ready.”
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Dinner.
His stomach twisted.
Dinner meant his father.
Dinner meant sitting in the same room with his father.
Alex ran a hand through his damp hair. “Mom, you didn’t say anything about dinner.”
She gave him a soft smile. “Honey, it’s the time we usually have dinner.”
“Yeah, but—”
“Come on,” she interrupted, taking his arm and leading him toward the dining room before he could protest.
Alex sighed but didn’t resist.
The dining room was as suffocating as ever.
Julian was already there, seated stiffly, his hands folded in his lap. His brother looked up when he saw Alex, offering a quick
smile.
“Alex.”
“Julian.”
And then there was their father.
“Father” Alex greets
Charles Blackwell barely glanced at Alex as he sat at the head of the table, his attention fixed on his phone, his posture as rigid as ever.
Alex sat down, his eyes flickering to his mother, who looked more pleased than usual.
The maids began serving food, the clinking of silverware the only sound in the room.
Alex eats his food, even though he wasn’t interested in eating right now.
His father’s usual silence. Nothing new.
His mother’s rare happiness……That’s new…
“What’s the good news, Mom?” he finally asked, setting his knife down.
His mother’s smile widened. “Your father has agreed to Julian getting married.”
Silence.
Alex’s fork stilled.
He lifted his gaze, looking at his mother, then at Julian, who sat tense beside him.
His father was allowing Julian to get married?
This was the same man who had spent years controlling every aspect of their lives. The same man who had nearly destroyed Julian last time he defied him.
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Alex’s stomach tightened.
It was too good to be true.
His eyes flickered back to his father, who was still eating as if this conversation didn’t concern him.
Alex leaned back in his chair. “That’s nice, Mom.”
His mother beamed. “Isn’t it? And the best part? I get to choose the perfect bride for your brother.”
Alex arched a brow. “Sounds like you’ve got a lot to do.”
“A lot,” she agreed, laughing softly.
And for a brief moment, Alex allowed himself to believe that maybe-just maybe-there wasn’t a catch.
Until his father spoke.
“You didn’t tell him what he has to do first.”
The air in the room shifted.
Alex’s fingers curled around his fork as he slowly turned his head.
His father was looking at him now, his sharp gaze cutting through the pretense of casual conversation.
Julian stiffened beside him.
His mother’s smile faltered.
And Alex knew.
Knew the good news came with a price.
“What’s going on?” His voice was calm, but his grip on the fork tightened.
His mother hesitated, her fingers brushing over her napkin as if it could shield her from what was coming.
“Your father….will only agree to Julian’s marriage if you get married first.”
